Sunday

Sundays are special with people you've grown to love...almost intimate, you could say. We each shared our favorite verses from the Bible this morning and told why each was meaningful to us. It's risky opening up and being vulnerable, but sharing a piece of oneself is a risk worth taking. We've loved getting to know these students.

Today was also a day of classes, but tonight was just fun. Our group went up to the HUF villa and ate pizza with those guys. Mona cut fresh tomatoes and added basil, garlic, and olive oil--goodness, I had four spoonfuls. I'm not even a tomato fan back home; I guess it's the freshness. Tonight at HUF, Dr. Ganus and Mrs. Ganus were present, and Dr. Ganus gave a devotional for us about being salt of the earth. Hearing him speak is such a privilege. He has been instrumental in getting the international programs started (he was president of HU when the villa was purchased in 1984) and growing at Harding, and many, many lives are better because of his influence.

After the pizza, Robbie had arranged for a concert right there in the villa. A group of woodwinds (clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, & tenor sax) and a percussion guy entertained. They opened with In the Mood, followed by An American in Paris and a few tango melodies. The musicians were people about the same age as our students and were inspiring. Just the thought of being entertained in a villa outside of Florence on a Tuscan hillside sounds like a dream.

Back at Avanti, the crew is studying for finals tomorrow. Luggage will be shipped and it will be the last day of studies. We head out Tuesday. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost over!